PRESS STATEMENT ON THE OHOKOBE–UMUOKEYI NEW YAM FESTIVAL CELEBRATION
By Concerned Sons and Daughters of Ohokobe–Umuokeyi
On 29th August 2026, the people of Ohokobe–Umuokeyi came together to celebrate our New Yam Festival, a cherished cultural tradition that promotes thanksgiving, peace, unity, reconciliation, and communal bonding.
It was therefore deeply disappointing to witness what appeared to be an attempt to introduce partisan politics into what should have remained a sacred and unifying cultural occasion.
Ahead of the celebration, the leadership of our community clearly directed that the festival should not be politicised and that political materials, including T-shirts bearing the images or campaign identities of political aspirants, were not permitted.
It is particularly troubling that Hon. Abiola Chinasa Anthony, a serving lawmaker representing Umuahia Central, reportedly chose to disregard this directive by distributing and personally wearing a T-shirt bearing his photograph, thereby using a sacred community occasion to promote his political ambition.
This is not merely about a T-shirt. It is about integrity, respect for constituted traditional authority, obedience to community decisions, and the character expected of anyone seeking to continue representing the people in public office.
A lawmaker who expects the people to obey laws and respect constituted authority should, above all, demonstrate those same qualities. When a clear directive of the community is deliberately disregarded by an elected representative, it is legitimate for the people to question his judgment, his respect for our institutions, and the example he is setting for the younger generation.
We must therefore ask: If an elected representative cannot respect the rules and decisions of the community he seeks to represent, why should the people entrust him with another mandate? If he cannot demonstrate humility, restraint, respect for traditional authority, and regard for the collective interest, does he truly possess the qualities required for responsible leadership?
Public office is a privilege, not a licence to place personal political ambition above the values and decisions of the people. No elected position should make anyone bigger than the community that gave him the mandate to serve.
We are equally concerned by reports of young people being mobilised to intimidate or harass those attempting to uphold the community’s directives. Such conduct is unacceptable and must never be allowed to undermine the peace and unity of our people.
We commend Prince Mayor Ukaegbu, the APC candidate for Umuahia Central State Constituency, and his supporters for their peaceful conduct and respect for the authorities of our community. We encourage all members of our community to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, even in the face of provocation.
Our community must remain bigger than any individual. Our traditions must remain bigger than politics, and the people must remain bigger than political ambition.
We commend everyone who helped preserve peace during the celebration and wish all the sons and daughters of Afaraukwu a joyful, peaceful, and blessed New Yam Festival.
Long live Afaraukwu.
Long live our traditional institutions.
Long live peace and unity.
